Index
Definition and what does it consist of?
It is a term that refers to any of several acquired or genetic disorders that result in a high level of lipids (fats, cholesterol, and triglycerides) circulating in the blood.
These lipids can enter the walls of the arteries and increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can lead to a stroke, heart attack, and the need to amputate limbs.
Atherosclerosis is higher if you smoke or have or develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney failure.
Hyperlipidemia is a family of disorders characterized by abnormally high lipids (fats) levels in the blood. While fats play a vital role in the body’s metabolic processes, high levels of fats in the blood increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
Two common lipid abnormalities are characterized by high cholesterol levels in the blood (hypercholesterolemia) or high levels of triglycerides in the blood (hypertriglyceridemia).
Cholesterol is produced mainly in the liver and then carried in the bloodstream by low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Because cholesterol and other fats do not dissolve in water, they can not travel through the blood without help.
Lipoproteins are particles formed in the liver to transport cholesterol and other fats through the bloodstream. Cholesterol is returned to the liver through other body cells, high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
Cholesterol is secreted in the bile, either unchanged or after conversion to bile acids.
Cholesterol is essential for forming cell membranes and the manufacture of several hormones. Still, it is unnecessary to include it in the diet because the liver produces all the cholesterol the body needs.
Large amounts of LDL cholesterol (called “bad cholesterol”) can be deposited in the arterial walls if blood cholesterol levels are high.
These deposits represent the first stage in narrowing the arteries, called atherosclerosis. Because hypercholesterolemia does not cause symptoms, preventive measures and regular measurement of cholesterol levels are essential for people in high-risk categories.
Hypercholesterolemia is especially dangerous when HDL (“good cholesterol”) cholesterol levels are low. If left untreated, hypercholesterolemia can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke because the arteries that supply blood to the brain are narrow.
Extremely common
More than 3 million people have this genetic disorder in the United States and Europe. It is widespread among those who live in developed countries and follow a western diet high in fat.
Hyperlipidemia is generally chronic, requiring statin medication to control the levels of lipids in the blood.
symptom
- Elevated levels of blood lipids alone do not cause symptoms, except with pancreatitis (painful inflammation of the pancreas).
- The symptoms develop from the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
- Angina and heart attacks if the streets of the heart narrow.
- ACV occurs if the arteries that carry blood to the brain little.
- Pain in walking and gangrene if the arteries in the legs are narrowed, which can lead to amputation.
Causes
Hyperlipidemia is most commonly associated with high-fat diets, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and diabetes.
There are also genetic causes. Familial hypercholesterolemia, a form of hyperlipidemia, is a genetic disorder predominantly inherited in humans worldwide.
It results from mutations in genes that involve proteins in the form of cholesterol called low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) that can lead to early-onset atherosclerosis.
Diagnosis
A blood test that analyzes lipid levels is traditionally done after a fast.
The results are usually reported as LDL cholesterol levels (normal range <130mg / dL); VLDL cholesterol (very low density lipoprotein) (normal range <31mg / dL); HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein) (normal range> 40 mg / dL); As well as total cholesterol (normal range <200mg / dL), of which all non-HDL cholesterol should be <130mg / dL.
Non-HDL cholesterols, particularly LDL cholesterol and VLDL, are called “bad cholesterols” that increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
Treatment
Treatment should begin with exercise, weight loss, a low-fat diet, and, if applicable, the management of diabetes. In most cases, however, more is needed than this.
Oral medication
Anti-cholesterol medications (statins) taken orally, usually once a day, are highly effective in reducing LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels. Periodic blood tests control its effectiveness.
The most common side effect of stopping using a statin medication is intolerable pain in the muscles and joints.
The respective organisms approve several statins of each country, so trying a different one is usually suggested before giving up due to side effects.
Statins can induce diabetes and cognitive dysfunction, risks counteracted by the benefits of decreased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease.
Injections
If the statins do not work due to side effects or poor results, the doctor may suggest the inhibitors of the protein convertase subtilisin / Kexin type 9 (PCSK9).
PCSK9 inhibitors seem to reduce cholesterol levels by 60% more than statins. Although they are promising, these medications are taken by injection, not by mouth, and can be very expensive.
They are not yet recommended as first-line treatment for most people with hyperlipidemia but may be suitable for some.
Mechanical approach
In complicated cases, a mechanical cleansing of the lipids in the blood, called plasmapheresis, can help. This is an unusual treatment approach.
recommendations
- Stay healthy.
- Low-fat diet
- Consume foods that contain good cholesterol (HDL), such as olive oil, peanuts, walnuts, avocado, and bluefish rich in omega 3, or also consume omega-three capsules.
You can not change your genes much. If your hyperlipidemia is acquired, not inherited:
- Do regular aerobic exercise.
- Follow a low-fat diet.
- Maintain an average weight and a body mass index (a measure of body fat) less than 25.
